<BrethrenVoice>
<GLEANINGS-FOR-THE-DAY>
<30 July 2002>
Contents:
---------
(1) <Slice-of-Infinity> "Pleasure in the balance" - Ravi Zacharias
(2) <Article> "Tumbleweed or an oak?" - Connie Giordano
(3) <Poem> "Apples of God" [Introduction] - Charles E. Wigg
(1) <Slice-of-Infinity>
PLEASURE IN THE BALANCE
Ravi Zacharias
As you know, we've been looking at the theme of pleasure and I'd like to
add one more principle for your benefit. King Solomon penned the following
proverb: "If you find honey, eat just enough. Too much of it and you will
vomit." Boy, that's pretty bluntly stated isn't it?
But in the light of that, consider the life of a creative genius unable to
break the stranglehold of pleasure-French author, Guy de Maupassant. He
was one of the greatest writers of short stories, as you may be familiar
with some of his writings, yet became an utterly tragic figure. Within ten
years he rose from obscurity to fame. His material possessions bespoke a
life of affluence-a yacht in the Mediterranean, a large house on the Norman
Coast, a luxurious flat in Paris. It was said of him that critics praised
him, men admired him and women worshipped him. Yet at the height of his
fame he went insane, brought on, many believe, by a promiscuous lifestyle.
On New Year's Day in 1892, he tried to cut his throat with a letter-opener,
and lived out the last weeks of his life in a private asylum on the French
Riviera. After weeks and months of mindless utterances and debilitating
pain, he died at the age of forty-two. Guy De Maupassant penned his own
epitaph: "I have coveted everything and taken pleasure in nothing."
The destruction of such a life is an incalculable loss. It is not just
that a life has gone wrong, but that the life of a genius has been so
mangled and cut short. That same artistic skill and power of story-writing
could have brought hours of legitimate pleasure for generations to come,
yet it was suffocated by a mind that failed to pay the price of resisting
illicit pleasure. Both the lack of an ultimate purpose for his life and
his willingness to jeopardize others made his own life a tragic short
story.
Listen to Maupassant's words again, "I have coveted everything and taken
pleasure in nothing."
This brings us to a third principle of pleasure: Any pleasure, however
good, if not kept in balance will distort reality or destroy appetite.
As options of pleasure abound for us, first and foremost let us make sure
it is "honey" we consume, meaning that it is something good and not
harmful. But one cannot stop there. Even that which is good, if not kept
in balance will bring either enslaving obsession or banal monotony, and
ultimately lessen our experience of pleasure.
Remember Solomon's maxim: "If you find honey, eat just enough. Too much of
it and you will vomit."
---
Copyright (p)(c) 2001 Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM).
Reprinted with permission. A Slice of Infinity is a radio ministry of Ravi
Zacharias International Ministries
_______________________________________________________________________
(2) <Article>
TUMBLEWEED OR AN OAK?
Connie Giordano
"We are called to be thermostats, not thermometers - affecting our
environment, not reflecting it." - Charles R. Hembree
"Would you rather be a tumbleweed or an oak in your influence on others?
That's the question posed by Galen Anderson who wrote, 'A man's life is like
either the tumbleweed or the oak tree. Some people just grow like the weed.
They are of no value in their youth, and as the years of life come they
break loose and become a blotch on society. They have no useful purpose in
life - just drifters. Their loved ones will mourn their loss, but society
will not miss them. Then there are those whose lives are like the oak. They
have turned from the frivolity of this life and have invested in things that
have genuine worth. Their influence for good will live on in the lives of
others after they are gone. Their death is noticed because their lives were
spent bettering the nation and the community. They will be missed.' " -
Golden Nugget
"A soap advertisement depicted a little fellow looking intently at his
shadow that fell across his pathway. The slogan underneath the picture read:
'That's the only thing that I can't wash out!' As I studied this clever bit
of sales promotion, I was reminded of the indelible shadow of influence we
cast on others by our example. Wrong attitudes and actions can engrave an
impression on their minds that is impossible to erase. But just as we can
leave a permanent mark for evil, so we can also leave a lasting effect for
good. We should therefore strive to live so that our loving spirit, vibrant
faith, and purity of life are never diluted by inconsistency." - Golden
Nugget
According to the Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, the word
Influence means - the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or
intangible ways; to have an effect on.
Many writers have commented on the topic of Influence. Here are a few
examples -
D.L. Moody - "A holy life will produce the deepest impression. Lighthouses
blow no horns; they only shine."
Blaise Paschal - "The serene beauty of a holy life is the most powerful
influence in the world next to the power of God."
The Lord Jesus depicted our influence or the power to have an effect on
others by referring to us as - Matthew 5:13 - "the salt of the earth",
Matthew 5:14 - "the light of the world", and "a city that is set on a hill."
Just as salt preserves food from putrefaction, even so are we called by God
to preserve the world from putrefaction and destruction. We are to keep the
world from entire moral corruption by our preaching the Word of God, our
prayers, and by our godly example and influence.
As "lights," we show by our Godly Example what God requires of all men. As a
"city that is set on a hill," our influence on others was always intended to
to be something that is conspicuous rather than hidden. What is more
noticeable than "a city that is set on a hill"? That is how direct our lives
are to be - easily seen and read by all so that all will be greatly
influenced by our Godly Example.
Philippians 2:15 describes us as living "...in the midst of a crooked and
perverse nation..."
The word "crooked" speaks of those who seek every occasion to retard the
cause of truth and righteousness. It speaks of those who are of perverted
sentiments and habits. It includes those who are disposed to complain and
find fault; those who pervert what the righteous say and do. It depicts a
people who are wicked, unfair, warped, and surly.
"Perverse" describes those turn aside from the right path. It describes
those who are corrupt, distorted, perverted, and in opposition to the truth.
It is right in the midst of these kind of people who God requires us to be
an example of godliness and righteousness.
The Apostle Paul was a very influential man. In Philippians 3:17 he said -
"Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye
have us for an example." Not only was his life marked as an example for
others to follow or imitate, but he discipled Timothy to do the same. 1
Timothy 4:12 - "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the
believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in
purity." That word example in both Scriptures speaks of a mark from a
stroke or a blow, an imprint, a model, a pattern, an ideal, and a standard.
Philippians 3:17 - Paul encouraged all believers to "mark them which walk so
as ye have us for an example." In other words, we are to direct our
attention to all those who are influencing others for good by their Godly
Example.
Colossians 1:10 - These are the ones who are walking worthy of the Lord.
They are walking suitably to the standards of the Bible. They are walking
worthily and after a godly sort. Because of this, they are made a pattern
for others to follow.
Philippians 3:17 tells us "mark them which walk so as ye have us for an
example." We must observe those who are following Christ with a desire to
do the same.
How can we know a Godly Example when we see one? What is required for us to
be influential in others' lives?
Philippians 2:15 offers us 4 basic guidelines to follow -
1. That Ye May Be Blameless
What does it mean to be blameless? Is it possible for someone to be so? The
Word blameless means to be free from fault or defect. It means that we
should give no occasion for others to accuse us of having done wrong. It
means to be irreproachable and deserving no censure. Yes, we are equired by
the Word of God to be blameless in this "crooked and perverse nation" that
we live in. Then and only then can we be influential on others.
2. That Ye May Be Harmless
What does it mean to be harmless? Can anyone possibly be this way? The word
harmless means innocent, sincere, pure, without guile, and without a mixture
of evil. The Scriptures tell us as Born Again believers that we are to be
harmless. Right in the midst of a "crooked and perverse nation" we are to be
without any guile or deception and without any mixture of evil.
3. That Ye May Be Without Rebuke
What does it mean to be without rebuke? Is it possible in this day and age
to be this way? Without Rebuke means to be without blemish, fault, or spot.
It is to give no occasion for anyone to complain of us. It is to be free
from anyone charging us of transgression or Sin.
Ephesians 5:27 - The Lord Jesus is coming back for a church "without spot,
or wrinkle, or any such thing...holy and without blemish." In other words,
He is coming back for a church that is without rebuke.
4. That Ye May Shine As Lights
What does it mean to shine as lights? It means that we are to be lights to
those around us. We are to "shine as lights in the world." Right in the
midst of the "crooked and perverse nation" that we live in, we are to be
"burning and shining lights."
We are likened unto lighthouses on a seacoast. We are to picture ourselves
as being placed on a dangerous coast. Our mission is to apprise all the
vessels out there in the waters of their danger and peril and to save them
from shipwreck in every way possible.
How can we practically "shine as lights in the world"?
1 Timothy 4:12 gives us some qualities to emulate. Just as the Apostle Paul
admonished Timothy to be an example of the believers, even so are we to do
the same. Our influence on others must be marked by these same qualities -
a. Be an example in Word - Study and meditate on the Word of God. Rightly
divide it. Preach and teach nothing but the Truth - the whole counsel of
God.
b. Be an example in Conversation - Let the whole of your conduct, your
general deportment, your behavior, and manner of life be pleasing unto the
Lord.
Psalm 101:2 - Behave yourself wisely in a perfect way.
Psalm 101:2 - Walk within your house with a perfect heart.
c. Be an example in Charity -
Romans 12:9 - Let your love for your fellow man be genuine and without
dissimulation.
Romans 12:10 - "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in
honour preferring one another."
Romans 13:10 - Work no evil toward your neighbor.
Romans 12:17 - Render not evil for evil.
d. Be an example in Spirit - Be spiritminded. Exemplify a government of
your passions. Have a mild, meek, and forgiving disposition.
e. Be an example in Faith - Maintain an unshaken confidence in God. Be
faithful, showing all fidelity. Do whatever is required of you.
f. Be an example in Purity - Practice chastity of body and mind. Exemplify
a sinlessness and chasteness of life. Bring every thought into captivity to
the obedience of Christ.
In closing, we need to ask ourselves some very important questions to
determine if we are being the Godly Influence on others that the Scriptures
require us to be.
Are we like the Tumbleweed or the Oak?
Are we caught up with the frivolity of life not caring how our life affects
others? Then our lives are likened to the Tumbleweed - having no value or
useful purpose. Or are we investing our lives in things of genuine worth?
Does our influence for good live on in the lives of others? Are we bettering
our community and nation by our Godly Example? When we die, will we be
missed by others besides our immediate family?
Are we casting an indelible shadow of influence for good on others by our
example? Or are we leaving a permanent mark for evil in the lives of our
spouse, our children, our grandchildren, our families, our coworkers, our
neighbors, etc.? Will our lives leave a lasting effect on others for good,
or are they being diluted by various inconsistencies that others can see?
Are we thermostats or thermometers? Are we affecting our environment or
reflecting it?
Are we lighthouses in our communities? Do we simply make a lot of noise and
blow horns and whistles to get people's attention, or do we shine so
brightly, offering Light and a way out to those who are in Darkness?
Are we preserving our families, our churches, our communities, and our
nation from evil and destruction by our Godly Example? Is our Godly
Lifestyle as noticeable to others as a "city that is set on a hill"?
Are we walking worthy of the Lord? Can others mark us as an example to
imitate or follow? What kind of lasting impression are we leaving on the
lives of our family and friends? Are we a model or pattern for others to
copy? Do we set the standard of righteousness for those around us? Can
others say of us that we are the ideal Christian by our Godly Example?
Are we preaching and teaching the whole counsel of God? Are we teaching
nothing but the Truth no matter what the cost? Are we behaving ourselves
well before others? Do we truly and sacrificially love others? Are we
walking in the Spirit and not fulfilling the lusts of the flesh? Are our
minds set on the things of the Spirit? Do we have a mild, meek, and
forgiving disposition? Are we faithful to God and men? Do we keep our
commitments? Do we always and evermore maintain an unshaken confidence in
God? Are we pure and chaste in thought, word, and deed? Are we especially
careful how we conduct ourselves in the presence of the opposite sex?
Right in the midst of a "crooked and perverse nation" God is calling his
people to "shine as lights." He requires that we set a standard for the
unbeliever as to what a real Christian is to look like and how he is to act.
God is looking for a people who will dare to be Godly Examples in this day
and hour - a people who are bold enough to set the standard of holiness and
righteousness according to the Scriptures in the face of all opposers of
Truth.
Will we answer that call?
Will we be that people who will make a difference in our world?
Will our lives be useful as the oak or will they be a total waste as the
tumbleweed?
Each one of us must make that choice. What will it be?
May God Bless His Word.
Connie
---
Copyright 2002 by Connie Giordano
_______________________________________________________________________
(3) <Poem>
"APPLES OF GOLD" - INTRODUCTION
Charles E. Wigg
[Poems have been enjoyed by men of all ages. Hymns have been an integral
part of the Hebrew system of worship. The Book of Psalms is perhaps the
most widely read and used book in the Bible. "Paradise Lost" and "Paradise
Regained" are classic epics by Milton based on the Biblical account of man's
fall and redemption. Another classic epic is "Vedaviharam" ("Ramble through
the Bible") which is a rendering of the stories of the book of Genesis into
Malayalam poetry by Mahakavi (Great Poet) K.V. Simon, who also happened to
be one of the pioneers of the Brethren movement in Kerala, India. "Apples
of Gold" is a collection of poems on various topics penned from different
locations by Br. Charles Wigg the reading of which, I hope, would bring
blessings to the brethren. God bless - Ben]
"Apples of God" - Introduction to the first edition by Br. C.V. Samuel
----------------------------------------------------------
God's word is full of instruction, correction and admonition and it throws
sufficient light On every cross-road of life through which we happen to pass
whether the road be paved with roses or thorns. These Poems on different
subjccts, composed by our dear Brother. Charles Wigg, are very interesting
different parts of India, depicting his point of view on the life of a
believer in relation to our blessed Lord and Redeemer. I am confident that
these poems will really help the Christian in his wilderness journey. The
stanzas concerning the experiences of the wilderness will also be educative
to us, as our experiences are similar in many ways.
"So, murmured they against the One,
Who'd led to liberty,
Complaints, ingratitude was shown,
To Him who set them free.'
How like ourselves, when things don't suit
Our taste. or our desire,
We murmur and complain about
The One who brought us here".
Hear what Paul says "Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also
tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye. as some of them
also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer". These warnings are
brought to light by the beautiful lines. The truth of Gal. 2: 20 is
portrayed well and practically exhibited as follows:
"It is no longer I, but Christ,
That liveth now in me,
Oh vict'ry won at such a price,
Oh blessed liberty!
I with Christ am crucified,.
That hateful, wretched, me,
That has Thy total rule defied,
Made life a misery.
(Lines 185 and 187)
Hannah's giving to God is sweetly
thought-provoking and demands that our life, heart
and service be dedicated as well.
There, Hannah prayed with tears and sobs,
And vowed a costly vow,
Yielded her inner shrine to God,
That she His life may know,
"The boy that God would give to her,
She'd give again to Him,
To serve Him only, by God's power,
His people turn again". lines 42,44
Very often we forget God when He has answered our prayers and in turn we
make partial dedication which is of no value to God in relation to the
gifts given to us.
How sad!
May it please the Lord to bless all the thoughts mentioned in these poems
to the children of God in any part of the world.
Yours in Christ.
C.V.Samuel.
Nellikunnu, Trichur,
Kerala, INDIA.
15. 5. 1989
[To be continued...]
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